مثالي
mithali
The English word 'perfect' is translated into Arabic as مثالي (mithali).
مثالي is used to describe something that is excellent and delightful in all respects.
Meaning: excellent and delightful in all respects (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term مثالي is derived from a root meaning 'to be an example' or 'to model', and literally translates to 'ideal' or 'model'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the word كويس is used informally to mean 'perfect' or 'good'. In Levantine Arabic, the informal term مية مية is used to mean 'perfect'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on gender and grammatical case.
How do you pronounce it?
mithali
Did you know?
- While مثالي describes an ideal state, Arabic speakers often use the word تمام to mean 'perfect' in the sense of 'everything is fine' or 'complete'. This word is a loanword from the Turkish word 'tamam'.
- The phrase مية مية, used in Levantine Arabic to mean 'perfect', literally translates to 'one hundred one hundred'.
- In many Arabic dialects, calling someone مثالي can sometimes sound slightly sarcastic, implying they are 'too perfect' or behaving like an unrealistic 'model' citizen.
Examples in context
- كان سامي شخصا مثاليّا.Sami was perfect.This sentence is useful for describing a person using مثالي.Tatoeba #6112246 by OsoHombre, translation #6064780 by OsoHombre
- لقد كان صباحاً مثالياً.It was a perfect morning.This sentence is useful for describing a morning using مثالي.Tatoeba #5040328 by Crataegus, translation #5038198 by CK
- سامي ليس مسلما مثاليّا.Sami is not a perfect Muslim.Tatoeba #7334059 by OsoHombre, translation #7329088 by OsoHombre
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmad and Layla are discussing the weather during a walk.
- أحمد Ahmedالجو اليوم مثالي.al-jawwu al-yawma mithali.The weather today is perfect.
- ليلى Laylaنعم، إنه يوم رائع.na'am, innahu yawmun ra'i'.Yes, it is a wonderful day.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تحبين المشي في هذا الجو؟hal tuhibbina al-mashya fi hadha al-jaww?Do you like walking in this weather?
- ليلى Laylaجداً، أنا أستمتع كثيراً.jiddan, ana astamti'u kathiran.Very much, I am enjoying it a lot.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
